The tourist paradise of Bali introduced the tourist tax on 14 February. According to the authorities, the revenue should go towards making the island’s tourism sustainable and protecting its unique ecology and culture.
– In the future, the collection of tourist fees in Bali will protect nature and keep the island clean and sustainable. But they will also play a vital role in protecting and promoting Balinese culture, which includes customs, traditions, cultural creation and local wisdom to maintain Bali’s spiritual aura, Sandiaga Uno, Indonesia’s tourism minister told news.com.au.
Before the pandemic, over 50,000 Swedes visited Indonesia
In 2019, before the pandemic paralyzed the global tourism industry, 56,000 Swedes visited Indonesia, according to statistics from the Indonesian embassy in Stockholm.
The island of Bali has long been known as a magnet for Swedish backpackers.
In the future, however, they must cough up the modest but mandatory tourist tax of 15 dollars to enjoy the island’s sights.
Australian tourists alone are expected to contribute $18 million through the tourist tax this year.
Police patrols must check that the tourists pay
But despite the juicy revenue, the island’s tourism authority estimates that around 60 percent of tourists who come to the island have not paid the fee.
Special patrols from the island’s tourism police will therefore carry out toll checks at the island’s major attractions from March 26. Tourists who have paid the fee will receive a special voucher emailed to them, which the police will ask the tourists to show.
Those who have not paid will be asked to pay. There is no decision yet as to penalty or other penalties for the tourists who have not paid the fee.
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